Fruit & nuts

Fruit & nuts | Fruit & nut pests | Fruit & nut product management

The orchard manuals for apples and pears, avocados, bananas, cherries, citrus, mangos, papayas, summerfruit and almonds below contain recommended on-farm biosecurity practices that aim to reduce the risk of pests. Other resources for fruit and nut producers are also listed.

For growers of blackberries, blueberries, lychees, macadamias, olives, passionfruit, pineapples, pistachios, raspberries, strawberries and walnuts, farm biosecurity measures are included in industry biosecurity plans. Visit Biosecurity essentials for general information that all producers can use to implement biosecurity measures on -farm. Please contact your peak industry body to obtain specific on-farm biosecurity practices recommended for these crops.

Farm biosecurity

Here are six easy ways you can reduce the threat of new pests impacting on your livelihood. Each of these practices should be embedded in your orchard’s everyday management as they make good business sense by reducing the risk of spreading pests.

1. Be aware of biosecurity threats

Make sure you and your orchard workers are familiar with the most important exotic fruit pest threats. Conduct a biosecurity induction session to explain required hygiene practices for people, equipment and vehicles in your orchard or plantation. More

2. Use pest-free propagation material

Ensure all propagation material is from trusted sources and farm inputs are fully tested, pest-free and preferably certified. Keep good records of your farm inputs. More

3. Keep it clean

Practicing good sanitation and hygiene will help prevent the entry and movement of pests onto your property. Workers, visitors, vehicles and equipment can spread pests, so make sure they are clean before entering and leaving your property. Have a designated visitor’s area and provide vehicle and personnel wash-down facilities. More

4. Check your orchard

Monitor your trees frequently. Knowing the usual appearance of your orchard and trees will help you recognise new or unusual events and pests. Keep written and photographic records of all unusual observations. Constant vigilance is vital for early detection of any exotic plant pest threat. More

5. Abide by the law

Respect and be aware of laws and regulations established to protect the fruit industry, Australian agriculture, and your region.

6. Report anything unusual

If you suspect a new pest – report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.

More information

To ensure your property has the best protection against the introduction and spread of new pests, identify the strengths and weaknesses of your orchard’s biosecurity activities through some self-assessment questions.

Once identified, a few simple, non-costly and practical procedures can be implemented to strengthen areas of greatest risk to your orchard.

While changing everyday practices can take more effort in the short term, these will become second nature with time and are easier and cheaper than dealing with the introduction of a new pest.

• Pest surveillance
• Reporting suspect pests

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has published a series of growing guides on the following crops:

• Apples, pears and other pome fruit
• Berries
• Cherries, peaches and other stone fruit
• Citrus
• Grapes
• Melons
• Nuts
• Olives and olive oil
• Tropical fruit
• Vegetables
• Other horticultural crops

They have also compiled information on pests, diseases and disorders in horticultural crops and post harvest management of horticultural crops.

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